Companion planting for pea is an experience-based observation developed over centuries. People have noticed that planting certain plants side by side has a positive effect on each other, increasing the quality and quantity of the harvest.
Companion planting is not set in stone and it is the least you can do for your plants. You can get the right care from the individual plant article. You can see the companion and the enemy plants of pea below.
| Companion plants for pea | Enemy plants of pea |
|---|---|
| Corn | Onion |
| Cucumber | Garlic |
| Carrot | Leek |
| Lettuce | Chives |
| Spinach | |
| Radish | |
| Eggplant | |
| Turnip |
Why does companion planting work?
Companion planting works due to several interconnected factors:
Pest Control: Certain plants emit natural chemicals or scents that repel pests, effectively acting as natural pest deterrents for nearby plants. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fosters a more balanced ecosystem.
Attracting Beneficial Insects: Some companion plants attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which feed on common garden pests. This creates a natural form of pest control and helps maintain ecological balance.
Soil Improvement: Different plants have varying root structures and nutrient requirements. Companion planting can enhance soil health by reducing soil erosion, suppressing weeds, and improving nutrient uptake. For example, leguminous plants fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting neighboring plants that require nitrogen for growth.
Competition Reduction: Companion planting can help reduce competition for resources such as water, sunlight, and nutrients by utilizing plants with complementary growth patterns and root structures. This allows for more efficient resource utilization and healthier plant growth.
Biodiversity and Resilience: Planting diverse species together increases biodiversity in the garden, which can enhance ecosystem resilience. A diverse ecosystem is better equipped to withstand pests, diseases, and environmental stresses compared to monocultures.
Maximizing Space: Companion planting allows gardeners to make the most of limited space by intercropping plants with different growth habits and maturity rates. This maximizes yield per square foot and promotes efficient land use.
Overall, companion planting capitalizes on the natural synergies between plant species, creating a thriving and sustainable garden ecosystem.
What are the companion plants of pea?
The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your pea. These plants can repel pests that damage your plants. These plants provide increased nutrition to the soil that your plants can use. Therefore, we recommend planting these plants next to your pea.
Corn
Corn thrives in rich, well-drained soil under the nurturing warmth of sunlight. Flourishing in fertile earth enriched with organic matter, it embodies resilience and vitality. Consistent moisture and adequate spacing support robust growth and prolific tasseling. Corn provides general benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, reducing weed growth, and promoting overall garden health.
Corn grows tall and strong, giving pea vines a sturdy place to climb, keeping them off the ground and away from pests. This natural trellis also helps peas get more sunlight and airflow, leading to healthier plants. Plus, while corn stands tall, peas keep the soil cool and moist, making the perfect growing environment.
Cucumber
Cucumbers thrive in diverse soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, loamy soil enriched with compost, they embody adaptability and freshness. Consistent moisture and sunlight support vigorous vine growth and abundant fruiting. Cucumbers extend general benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, conserving moisture, and attracting beneficial insects.
Cucumbers have big, leafy vines that help provide shade for the soil, keeping pea roots nice and cool on hot days. This helps peas stay hydrated and prevents the soil from drying out too quickly. Since cucumbers don’t compete much with peas for nutrients, they make peaceful garden companions.
Carrot
Carrots thrives in well-drained, loose soil enriched with organic matter. Adequate moisture and sunlight support robust root growth and vibrant foliage. Carrots offer general benefits to neighboring plants by improving soil structure with their deep taproots, enhancing soil aeration, and creating pathways for water and nutrients to reach other plant roots.
Carrots grow deep in the soil, loosening it up and creating space for pea roots to spread with ease. This keeps the soil from becoming too compact, which is great for the delicate roots of pea plants. Since carrots and peas use different parts of the soil, they don’t compete for nutrients, making them great neighbors.
Lettuce
Lettuce, known for its crunchy leaves and garden appeal, thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Partial shade and consistent moisture nurture its tender foliage and compact heads. Lettuce offers invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by providing ground cover, conserving soil moisture, and suppressing weed growth.
Lettuce acts like a natural mulch, covering the soil around peas and helping retain moisture. It also keeps weeds from taking over, giving peas more space to grow without competition. Plus, since lettuce has shallow roots, it won’t disturb the pea plants as they spread out underground.
Spinach
Spinach grows in fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Partial shade and consistent moisture nurture its tender foliage and rapid growth. Spinach provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by enriching the soil with nutrients, suppressing weed growth, and promoting overall garden health.
Spinach and peas both love cooler weather, making them a great early-season pairing. The broad spinach leaves help shade the soil, keeping it from drying out too fast. Since peas help fix nitrogen in the soil, spinach gets a little nutrient boost from its presence.
Radish
Radishes thrive in loose soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.0, they embody adaptability and zest. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their rapid growth and vibrant foliage. Radishes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by breaking up compacted soil, improving soil aeration, and suppressing pest populations.
Radishes grow quickly and help break up compacted soil, making it easier for pea roots to spread. Their fast growth also means they don’t take up too much space or steal nutrients from slower-growing pea plants. Plus, radishes can help keep certain pests away, making them great little protectors for peas.
Eggplant
Eggplant thrives in well-drained, loamy soil under the nurturing warmth of sunlight. Flourishing in fertile earth enriched with organic matter, it embodies resilience and grandeur. Consistent moisture and adequate spacing support robust growth and prolific fruiting. Eggplant provides general benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, reducing weed growth, and promoting overall garden health.
Eggplants help keep pests like aphids and spider mites distracted, keeping them away from delicate pea plants. They also grow well in the same conditions as peas, meaning neither plant struggles when grown together. Since eggplants have deep roots and peas have shallow ones, they don’t compete for nutrients, making them excellent partners.
Turnip
Turnips, known for their nutritious roots and garden resilience, grow in loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their robust foliage and prolific root development. Turnips provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by improving soil structure, suppressing weed growth, and enriching the soil with nutrients.
Turnips help break up the soil with their thick roots, making it easier for peas to grow and spread. They also don’t take up much space above ground, letting peas climb freely without obstruction. Since turnips grow quickly, they help shade the soil and keep it cool, which is perfect for pea plants.
What are the enemy plants of pea?
Planting these plants next to pea has a huge negative effect on the development of your plant. Growing enemy plants can appeal detrimental insects, change the taste of the grown plant and even consuming all of the nutrients and water from your pea. Because of these negative effects, we don’t recomment growing the plants below next to your pea.
Onion
Onions thrive in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil—preferably loamy or sandy—with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Partial sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their hearty foliage and bulb formation. Onions provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by deterring pests with their strong aroma and improving soil structure with their fibrous roots.
Onions and peas just don’t get along. Onions release substances into the soil that can slow down the growth of pea plants, making it harder for them to thrive. They also compete for space and nutrients, leaving peas struggling to get what they need. If you want happy, healthy peas, it’s best to keep onions planted somewhere else.
Garlic
Garlic flourishes in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5, it embodies adaptability and strength. Adequate sunlight and consistent moisture support robust growth and bulb development. Garlic provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by deterring pests with its strong aroma and acting as a natural fungicide against soil-borne diseases.
Garlic might be great for warding off pests, but it’s not so great for peas. It has strong, aggressive roots that take up space and nutrients, leaving little behind for delicate pea plants. Plus, like onions, garlic can stunt pea growth, keeping them from reaching their full potential.
Leek
Leek thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Partial shade and consistent moisture nurture its slender stalks and tender leaves. Leek provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by deterring pests with its pungent aroma and improving soil structure with its deep roots.
Leeks are another member of the onion family that just doesn’t get along with peas. They need similar nutrients, and since they grow slowly and take up a lot of underground space, they often overpower peas. Planting them together will likely leave your peas struggling to grow.
Chives
Chives thrive in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost, they embody adaptability and finesse. Adequate moisture and sunlight support lush growth and abundant foliage. Chives extend general benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests and attracting beneficial insects, enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Chives might seem harmless, but they have a habit of making life tough for peas. Like their onion relatives, they release growth-inhibiting compounds into the soil, which can keep peas from developing properly. They also compete for nutrients, meaning your peas might not get the energy they need to produce a strong, healthy crop.
